#United States #Chicago #American Lung Association #Cleaner Technologies #Diesel Locomotives

Major Health Risks from Outdated Trains

The American Lung Association’s recent report, titled "Getting Health on Track: Cleaner Locomotives for Healthy Air," sheds light on the significant health risks associated with outdated diesel locomotives in the United States. As the nation’s reliance on diesel-powered trains continues, the impending threat to public health grows.

Diesel Trains and Air Quality

While much of the focus on air pollution tends to spotlight automobiles and trucks, trains emerge as major offenders, emitting harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and diesel particulate matter. These emissions not only degrade air quality but also contribute to serious health issues, such as lung disease, heart problems, and heightened cancer risk, ultimately leading to premature deaths across communities.

The report reveals that a majority of passenger and freight trains still utilize diesel engines that date back several decades, undermining efforts to improve air quality. Although federal regulations like the Tier 4 emissions standards of 2008 exist to curb emissions from new locomotives, glaring loopholes remain that allow older, higher-polluting engines to continue operating.

The Health Impacts

The harmful emissions from older locomotives particularly exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic lung disease. They also increase the risks associated with cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes, and contribute significantly to respiratory illnesses and cancers, with vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions suffering the most.

"Trains pose a severe pollution risk, especially for workers and communities near rail yards and transit hubs," remarks Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. He emphasizes that modernizing locomotive technology is critical not just for cleaner air, but for saving lives.

Workers on the Front Line

Rail yard workers, bearing the brunt of exposure to these harmful pollutants, often report chronic health problems like persistent coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, and higher rates of asthma, affecting both themselves and their families.

The report identifies that communities located near railyards, ports, and major transit centers face the highest exposure levels. Cities such as Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles frequently contend with the impact of diesel pollution from train operations, posing ongoing health risks to residents.

Proposed Solutions

Fortunately, the report does not merely outline the problems but also presents actionable solutions to mitigate the negative health impacts associated with diesel emissions. Some of the recommended alternatives include:

• - Transitioning to battery-electric locomotives
• - Implementing overhead wires to supply power to electric trains
• - Locating power transmission lines alongside existing rail infrastructures

To effectively address the issue, the American Lung Association urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to act decisively. Their recommendations include:

• - Closing regulatory loopholes that permit older locomotives to operate indefinitely
• - Establishing a new Tier 5 standard reflecting modern technology advancements
• - Initiating a phase-out or modernization plan for the oldest, most polluting engines

Conclusion

The report, "Getting Health on Track: Cleaner Locomotives for Healthy Air," is an urgent call to action for both individual communities and federal regulators. It underscores the necessity for modern, cleaner locomotive standards to protect public health. A collective effort from 29 health organizations and nearly 600 signers supports this call for improvement in locomotive emissions standards, emphasizing that the current regulations must evolve to prioritize the health of workers and communities alike.

The full report can be accessed at Lung.org/locomotives for those seeking more information and solutions regarding this pressing issue.